Aircraft-wing construction



July 8, 1924. 7 1,500,810

J. P. GLASBY. JR

AIRCRAFT WING CONSTRUCTION F1164 19. 1920 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Wull-wlum wm Hi m MNMMI im J /A P6/ @51 Gui 5001; x k/n July 8 1924. 1,500,810

J. P. GLASBY. JR

AIRCRAFT WING CONSTRUCTION F e 19. 1920 2 Sheet.s$heet 2 17 UNI Patented July 8, 1924.

UNITED STATES JONATHAN P. GLASBY, J'B., 0! EAST ORANGE, NEW JERSEY.

AIRCRAFT-WING CONSTRUCTION.

Application filed November T 0 all 'wfiomit may concern:

Be it known that I, Joxs'rrmn P. GLASBY, J12, a citizen of the United States, and resident of East ()range, in the county of Essex and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in and Relatin to Aircraft-Wing Construction, of which t e followin is a specification.

This invention re ates to aircraft and more particularly to a construction of their supporting surfaces or win The present trend of aircraft construction is toward the attainment of hi h speeds However, a limiting factor at the present time is the speed at which a safe landing of aircraft is possible. Landing speeds have a great influence on the ty e of wing and the area, since the low s ee s necessary for the average machines to and require a hi h lift wing, or great area or both. With t e present wing sections, low 6" ht s ds are obtained with a sacrifice in t e high speed values. Similarly, with the present win construction, high speed machines must Ian at dangerously high speeds. At present, the best range that can be obtained with fixed areas is about 2-1; that is, the hi h speed is not much more than twice t e lower speed. For instance, a machine with a low speed of 45 miles per hour cannot be depended upon to safely develop a maximum d of much over 90 miles r hour, for, at igher speeds, the angle of incidence of the wing will be so diminished as to come dangerously near the ition of no lift. In any case, the trave of the center of pressure will be so great at extreme wing angles as to cause oonsiderable manipulation of the elevator surface resulti in a further increase in the resistance an thus diminishing the s d attained. The total lift of a wing sur ace depends on the form of the wing, its area and the speed with wlhizh it milives warden to the 11:11. Trave ataows requireseiterawin with a h lift coefficient or an increa area. A h lift value is obtained by increasing the camber of the wing and this increased camber necessarily increases the head resistance. Increase in area ntates hlagavier structprail memlliatrs, more exracings an ence, ewlse more head resistance. All of which tend to a reduction in the maximum speed of the machine.

The present invention has for its ob ect a 19, 1920. Serial 1n. 425,111.

construction of the lifting surfaces of aircraft which will present a, minimum head resistance at high speeds and which can be so adjusted as to increase the lift-drag ratio of the win to permit the machine to travel at relative y slow speeds when landing and taking off from the ound.

This object is attained by providing the main wing structure with a section including the leading edge and a section including the trailing edge which are adjustable with relation to the central wing surface to increase the camber of the wing when it is desired to increase its lift drag ratio.

Another object of my invention is to locate the adjusting device for the adjustable wing sections within the interior of the wing; thereby eliminatin head resistance or turbulent flow caused y projecting brackets, wires and other fittin It is obvious, however, that the adj usta le wing sections could be operated by means located without the wing structure and it is to be understood that such an arran ement of the adjusting devices is well wit in the scope of the present invention.

Other features of my invention will be apparent upon an ins ection of the accomanying drawings w ich illustrate a preerred embodiment thereof, wherein Fig. 1 is a top view of one half of the upper supporting surface of an aircraft and a portion of the lower wing thereof, shown in relation to the fuselage of the machine and embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section of the wing in a fore and aft direction, showing the sections including the leading and trailing edges in position to ofier the least head resistance when traveling at high speeds.

Fig. 3 is a similar section showing the leading and trailin edges when depressed to increase the liftrag ratio for travel at 'relatively slow speeds.

Fig. 4 is an-enlarged view of the 'oint between the main wing structure an an adjustable edge, showin the method of covermg the space forme when the edge is depressed. 7

Fig. 5 is a detail view of a portion of the preferred means for adjusting the inclination of the edges.

Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to similar parts throughout, I have illustrated my invention as ap lied to the upper wing 1 of an aircraft, in w ich Ill) a central section 2, containing the wing spars 3, is constructed in any well known manner havin vertical front and rear faces 4 and 5 pre erably closed only by suitable bracing means.

At the rear of this main win structure 2 is arranged a wing section 6, w ose surfaces prolong the wing surfaces rearwardly and converge to form the trailing edge. A similar wing section 7 is arranged in front of the main wing structure 2 whose surfaces likewise prolong the wing surface forwardly and converge to form the leadin edge. I have shown these sections 6 and 7 inged at the under surface at 8 to the main wing structure 2.

When the machine is travelin at hi it speed, the sections 6 and 7 will in t e position shown in Fig. 2. The curvature of the win in a fore and aft direction, called the camber, of the sections 7 2 and 6 in the position shown in ,2 is just sufficient to afford the proper li t-dra ratio when the machine is travelling at fu 1 speed. In Fi 3, I have illustrated the positions of the lea ing and rear adjustable drag sections when depressed. It is obvious that the curvature or camber is eatly increased, thus increasing the liftrag ratio and permitting the machine to travel at a much slower speed for landing or rising from the ground.

In aeronautics, the resistance ofiered to the forward motion of a wing is commonly known as drag and, inasmuch as the purpose of the adjustable sections 6 and 7 is to increase the camber of the wing surface thereby, increasing the head resistance 40' the wing structure, I shall hereafter refer to these adjustable sections as drag sections. As a means fonadjusting the drag sections in relation to the main wing structure, I prefer to provide each of the drag sections with a plurality of arms within the interior of the section, running in a fore and, aft direction and extending into the central portion of the main stationary wing structure. These bars which I have illustrated at 9 and 10 are preferably secured to the lower framework of the drag sections and are slotted at their free end at 11.

Suitably located within the stationar wing section 2' and corresponding to eac pair of bars 9 and 10, I provide a vertical guide 12 adapted to uide a movable member 13 (Fig. 5). This member is provided with a pair of o positely disposed pivots or studs 14 adapted to engage in the lots 11. I prefer to construct this member 13 with a central aperture 15 through which the guide 12 passes; however, it is obvious that man other means for iding the member 13 wi 1 occur to one skil ed in the art and I do not wish to limit In self to the articular construction herein fore descrl and illus trated. For the above described device, I

provide at the upper and lower extremities of the guide 12, a sheave 16 adapted to guide a cable 17. The cables 17 lead from the movable member 13 to any suitable control device, such as, a lever or wheel in the fuselage of the machine.

It is obvious, and well within the scope of the present invention. that individual operating devices may be provided for each of the bars 9 and 1'0; in which case, there would necessarily be provided a movable member 13, slidable on a guide 12, for each of the bars. In this way, each drag section may be elevated or depressed, irres ective of the inclination of the other rag section.

When the drag sections are depressed, it is apparent that there is a considerable space between the edge of the drag section and the edge of the stationary SQCtlOl'L. To cover this gap to prevent foreign substances from entering the same, and to prolong the stream line effect of the wing surface, I provide a flexible covering 18 in prolongation of the skin 19 of the leading drag section which laps over the skin 20 of the stationary section and, similarly, a flexible covering is,pro-

vided in prolongation of the skin of the stationary ortion which laps over the skin of the trailing drag section. To kee the free end of the. flexible covering in c ose proximity'to" the covering of the ad'acent wing section, I provide a plurality 0 slots 21 in the free end of the flexible covering 18. Studs 22, secured to the frame of the stationary section 2 and of the rear drag section 6, engage in thes'lots "22. These studs are provided with an enlar d head or other means to prevent-the covering 18 from slipping off the studs.

With the foregoing wing cdnstruction, it is possible to construct a wing of relatively deep section; thus permitting heavier spars and interior bracing to be used. An aircraft provided with this wing construction may be equipped with relatively powerful motors to drive the same at high speeds. When rising from the ground, the forward. and rear drag sections are depressed; thus, presenting a wing surface of increased camber with a high lifhdrag ratio. The speed of the machine is thereby lessened so that it may take off or rise from the ground -within a distance considerably less than would be possible with the usual win construction. When a suitable elevation is reached the dr -sections are gradually elevated until the wing presents a surface of decreased camber, havin ap reciabl lessened head resistance an a ow liftrag ratio. The maximum speed of the aircraft is now obtainable.

When it is desired to land the usual high speed machine the same dificulties are encountered. The low lift-drag ratio and 'sinall lneadi esistance require that a great ance and lift-drag ratio is increased and the ary section.

speed of the machine decreases to a oint where a safe landing may be made within a considerably shorter distance.

It is obvious that other ,means may be provided for securing the drag sections to the stationary wing section which come within the sco e of the present invention. The terms an expressions employed are used as ter'ms of description and not of limitation and I have no intention in using such terms and expressions to exclude any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof but recognize that various modifications in the apparatus are possible within the scope of the invention claimed.

What I claim is:

I. In wing construction for aircraft, a' wing section stationary with respect to the body of the machine, a wing section adjustable relatively to said stationary section and a lever secured within said adjustable section and extending into said station- 2. In an aircraft, a wing section stationary with res t of said aircraft, a section including t e entire leading edge of the wing structure adjustable with respect of the stationary wing section, a lever secured within said adjustable section and extending into said stationary section, and a section including the entire trailin edge of the. wing structure, adjustable. wit respect of the stationary wing section.

3. In an aircraft, a wing section stationary with respect of said aircraft, a section including a' portion of the leadin' edge of the wing structure adjustable'wit respect of the stationary win section, a'section including a portion of the trailin edge of the wing structure adjustable wit respect of the stationary wing section, and-levers secured within said adjustable sections and extending into said stat-iona sections.

4. In a win construction fbraircraft, a portion of sai 'wing stationary with respect of the aircraft, a portion of said wing adjustably located forwardly of said stationary port-ion, another portion of said wing construction located rearwardly of said stationary portion and a plurality of longitudinal members located within said adjust,- able portions and extending into said stationary portion.

5. In aircraft wing construction, a wing section stationary with respect to the aircraft, a plurality of win sections adjustable with respect of sai stationary win section, members extending in the approximate direction of flight on said adjustable sections and extending to 'the id t ti y p": nupright member onsald stationary wing section fipd means slidable on said upright: member which said memhers extend ng in the approximate direci'lOIIOf flight are pivoted. i

6. In aircraft wing-construction, a wing section stationary with respect to the aircraft,a plurality of wing sections adjust able with respectto; said stationary .wing section, a plurality of levers secured to said adjustable wing sections and extending to said stationary wing section, a member socured to said stationary wing section, means slidable on said member and secured to said levers and means to actuate saidslidable member. I a

7. In an aircraft -wing construction, a supporting surface immovable with respect to the aircraft, a section adjustable with relation 'to said supporting surface, a member secured to said-'-ndjustable,section and extendin into saidsupportingtsurface, said member ing for'medwith a slot ingthe end extending into the supporting surface, an upright guide member in said;supporting surface',a slide on 'said upright rnember, a

' pivoton said slideaengag'lng in the aforementioned slot, a cable secured to said slide and means for actuating said slide through said cable. i

8. In aircraft wi section stationary with respect to said aircraft, :asection including the entire leading edge of. the; wing structure adjustable with respect of the stationary wing section,

a lever secured within said adjustable lead.- ing -section and :extending" into said stationary section,.a section including the entire trailing 'edgeof the wing structure adjustable with respect to the stationary wing sectionland a lever secured within the adjustable trailing section and extending into said stationarysection.

- 9. In aircraft wing construction. a relatively stationary win portion, a portion including one entire edge of the wing structure movable with respect tothe stationary wing portion, substantially rigid means within said adjustable portion extending into said relatively stationary ortion, another portion including an entire edge of the wing structure movable with respect of the relatively stationary portion, and substantially rigid means within said movable portion extending into said relatively stationarv portion.

10. In wingconstruction for aircraft, a relatively stationary wing rtion, a portion movable with respect 0 said relatively stationary wing portion, and substantially rigid means within said movable portion and extending into said relatively stationary wing portion.

. construction, a wing 11. In wing construction {or aircraft, a relativel stationary wing portion, a portion inc uding the entire leading edge of the wing structure adjustable with respect of said relatively stationary wing portion and substantially rigid means within said adjustable portion extending into said relatively stationary portion. f

12. In wing construction for aircraft, a relatively stationary rtion, a portion including the entire trailin edge of the win structure adjustable wit .respect of sai relatively stationary ortion and substantially rigid means within said adjustable portion extending into said relatively stationarv portion.

13. In an aircraft, a. wing section stationary'with res tof said aircraft, .a section including an entire leading vedg e of the wing structure adjustable with respect of said stationary wing section; a section including the entire trailing edge of the wing structure adjustable with of the stationary section and alever secured within said ad "ustable trailing section and extending within said stationary sec-' tion. H

14. In airplane wing construction, 'in combination a stations wing section, a section includin a. the wing movab e with respect to'the sta: tionary section and a movable section and extending into the stationa section.

-15. airplane wing construction, in combination a stations. wing section, av

section includ' a portion of an edge oi the wing movab e vuth respect to the stationary section, a lever secured in the movable section and extending into the stationary section and means to actuate the lever.

16.111 airplane wing construction, in combination a stationary wing section, a. section of the wing movable with respect to said stationa section, a lever secured within the mova 1e section, and extending into said stationary section and means to operate the lever.

17. In airplane wing construction, in combination a stationary wing section, a

rtion of an edge of lever secured in the plurality of wing sections movable with respect to said stationar section and levers secured within the mova le sections and extendi into the, stationary section- '18. n airplane, wing construction, in

combination a stationary wing section, a section of the wing disposed forwardly of said stationary section and movable with respect thereto, a section of the wing disposed rearwardly of said stationary section and movablewith respect thereto, and a lever in each of said movable sections and extendin into, said stationary section.

19. n airplane wing construction, in combination, a stationary wing section, a wing section forwardly disposed with respect to said stationary section and movable with r ect thereto, a section of the wing rearwar 1y disposed with respect to the said stationary section and movable with respect thereto, a plurality of levers secured in said movable sections and extending into said stationary section, and means to actuate said levers.

I 20.' In-' airplane wing construction, in combination, a stationary win section, a section of the wingiorwardly disposed with respect to said stationary section, and mov' able with respect thereto, a section of the wing rearwardly disposed with respect to said stationary section and movable with t thereto, a lever secured within each of said movable sections and extending into saidstationary section, andmeans to actuate said levers simultaneonsly.

21. In airplane wing construction, in combination, a stationary wing section, a section movable with respect to said stationary wing section, a lever secured within said movable wing section, and entering said stationary section, a upright member carried .with said static ary section, a member'slidable with res t to said upright member and to which the lever is connected member.

Si ed at New York city, in the county of New or]: and State of New York, this 17th day of November, A. D. 1920.

ONATHAN P. GLASBY, Jr.

and means to actuate the slidable V 

